Jaya Bachchan

Jaya Bachchan is a noted Indian actress and parliamentarian. She is one of the first professionally trained actors to work in Hindi film industry, who became a sensation in seventies and continues to win acclaim and respect for her mature and nuanced performances.

Born on April 10, 1948, Jaya Bachchan is an alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. She is married to Amitabh Bachchan, a living legend of Hindi cinema.

She was born in the family of writer, journalist and stage artists Indira and Taroon Kumar Bhaduri. Her acting career began with a role in the great Indian master Satyajit Ray's 1963 film 'Mahanagar'. She was only 15 when she played the role.

1971 comedy 'Dhanni Meye' catapulted her career in Bengali film industry and she moved to Mumbai where she went on to play many memorable roles in films such as 'Guddi', 'Jawani Diwani', 'Uphaar' and 'Anamika'.

She shared the screen with her illustrious husband in many milestones of Hindi cinema: 'Zanjeer' (1973), 'Abhimaan' (1973), 'Chupke Chupke' (1975) and 'Sholay' (1975).

Following the birth of her daughter Shweta, Jaya Bachchan took a break from acting after 'Silsila' (1981).

She is also credited for the story of 'Shehanshah' a film that starred her husband.

Jaya Bachchan reappeared on the silver screen in 1998 after a break eighteen years with 'Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa', a film based on Mahashweta Devi's novel and directed by Govind Nihlani.

She received Filmfare awards for best supporting actress for her roles in 'Fiza' (2000) and 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' (2003).

Jaya Bachchan is a recipient of the Yash Bharati Samman, highest award from the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour.

She is a member of the upper house of Indian parliament, Rajya Sabha.